March 11, 2012

It is autumn - at least according to the calendar. We enjoyed the beautiful and warm autumn weather by spending the day outdoors. We drove to Palm Beach, walked up to the lighthouse and enjoyed the beautiful views. There was a lovely sea breeze greeting us at the top after a steep climb - it really was a picture perfect day. Sail boats were out at sea, people had gathered in parks for a picnic with family and friends, cafes were full of people having late brunch or lunch. These are the kinds of weekends I enjoy the most.

These pear muffins remind me of autumn. Cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla are perfect flavours for sweet pears and wholegrain spelt flour really makes these muffins incredibly soft and tasty. I've kept the sugar to a minimum, because I think that ripe pears are quite sweet enough on their own. A mere tablespoon of rice syrup and a couple of teaspoons of natural stevia is all you need.

Whether you will serve them at a lazy weekend breakfast or an afternoon tea, these muffins will disappear to the last crumb.

@ Maria: what an enticing recipe! @ Sarah - if you live in Australia stevia should be easily available: I have had no trouble for over 10 years! If truly at a loss, google 'Golden Glow'! @ Sneh: you take me back: once upon a midnight clear my family owned the largest apple farm there, just 12 kms past Bellbird Hill! love to all!!

Palm Beach IS stunning and that day you went was just perfect. The muffins look good too. I also made some muffins over the weekend.. albeit banana choc chip muffins hehehehe. Well, at least we both enjoyed SOME sort of muffin :)

Come to think of it, I've never had pear muffins. That sounds so good! Why don't bakeries make those? I need to brush up my baking skills and bake my own, I guess. Such a beautiful scenery. It's autumn there already? I was jealous about your summer not a long ago, and now it's over. We are almost entering spring... enough cold days and can't wait to see blue sky like this!